Tiger Woods Signs Long-Term Video Game Deal With 2K

Golf legend, Tiger Woods, has signed an exclusive, long-term gaming deal with 2K, a video game publishing company.

Woods, who is undoubtedly the most recognized figure in golf history is back in the game after his involvement in a car crash ruled out chances of him returning to the golf course soon. The single-vehicle crash, which happened on the 23rd of February while he was driving in Los Angeles led to severe leg injuries for Woods. After undergoing surgery, he has returned to his home in Florida, where he intends to rest, but that doesn't mean he's stopped swinging sticks, at least not digitally.

The deal with 2K, which was announced Tuesday, gives the game makers exclusive rights to Woods' name and pictures in the 'PGA Tour 2K' franchise, as well as other games they might release during the period of the agreement. He is also going to be the executive producer and consultant of the franchise. While the financial terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, the company is said to be partnering with his foundation, TGR Foundation, to provide underserved students with the tools needed to navigate school and beyond.

The 15-time major champion, in a statement released by 2K, said, “I am looking forward to making my return to the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I’ve found the right partners to make it happen."

This isn't the golf icon's first time playing digitally. Tiger Woods was a common face in the sports video gaming world for over 15 years, appearing in-game series 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour.' The franchise made over $771 million selling games, but Tiger Woods and the game publisher, Electronic Arts, parted ways in 2013. 

This series remains one of the most successful sports video games to ever be produced.

2K is a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, the gaming company behind widely popular games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, which has a net worth of close to $20 billion. 

Under 2K, they have released games like NBA 2K, a basketball sports simulation game that has sold over 8 million copies.

Take-Two Interactive also acquired HB Studios, the developers of the PGA Tour 2K game. The game has sold about 2 million copies in this year's 2K21 version since it was released.

It is expected that having Wood's onboard will place Take-Two Interactive even higher than competitors Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts. Take-Two's stock went up by 40% this year, 10% higher than stocks of Activision Blizzard and 20% higher than Electronic Arts.